Distribution and types of negative human-orangutan interactions in Kalimantan based on news articles

¹ Tropical Biodiversity Conservation, IPB University, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
² Forest Resources Conservation and Ecotourism Dept, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
³ Wildlife Conservation Society Indonesia Program, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
⁴ Wildlife Ecology Enthusiast, IPB University, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: tgdesantoro@gmail.com

Abstract

Interaction between humans and orangutans can hurt both parties. Crop losses and heightened fear and anxiety among local communities due to orangutan presence often contribute to negative perceptions, which may influence actions towards these primates. Additionally, limited public awareness regarding the risks of keeping orangutans as pets can elevate the potential for zoonotic disease transmission. Habitat loss caused by deforestation and the conversion of forests to agricultural or anthropogenic-used land exacerbates the risk of human-orangutan encounters in Kalimantan. Consequently, understanding these interactions’ trends and spatial distribution is essential for devising strategic interventions to mitigate the conflict. Using web scraping methods, we collected article data from various Indonesian news sources from 2011 to 2024. 172 human and orangutan negative interactions were documented and categorized into six types: orangutan sightings, attacks, crop damage/raiding, hunting, capture, and orangutan rearing. These interactions occurred across 125 villages from 28 districts/cities in Kalimantan. Most incidents were reported in settlement areas (35%) and plantations (45%). Orangutans have also been sighted in public places, such as airports and harbors, over the past 5 years. Given the broad distribution of these interactions, coordinated efforts among multiple stakeholders are crucial for mitigating and managing human-orangutan conflicts as part of broader Bornean orangutan conservation initiatives.